A fourth-place finish in the 400-meter final at the 1960 Olympic Games remains the defining performance of Milkha Singh's career. Though he led for much of the race, he finished in 45.73 seconds, a national record that stood for nearly four decades. This appearance in Rome was one of three Olympic outings for the Indian sprinter.
Early Life and Displacement
Born on 20 November 1929 in Govindpura, Singh experienced the violent upheaval of the Partition of India as a child. After witnessing the deaths of his parents and several siblings, he moved to Delhi in 1947. He spent time in a refugee camp and faced brief imprisonment before finding stability by joining the Indian Army in 1951.
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While stationed at the Electrical Mechanical Engineering Centre in Secunderabad, Singh discovered his aptitude for running during compulsory cross-country training. His exposure to organized sport was limited prior to his enlistment, but the army provided the structure that led to his entry into national and eventually international athletics competitions.
International Achievements
Singh represented India at the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Summer Olympics. His career included significant victories at the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games, alongside a 400-meter gold at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. In 1959, he received the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, for his contributions to sports.
Final Years
Following his competitive career, Singh served in the Government of Punjab. He authored his life story in the book The Race of My Life. Singh died on 18 June 2021 in Chandigarh due to complications from COVID-19, surviving his wife, Nirmal Saini, by only five days.
Fast facts
- Born: 20 November 1929, Govindpura
- Died: 18 June 2021, Chandigarh
- Citizenship: India
- Awards: Padma Shri (1959)
- Nickname: The Flying Sikh
- Notable work: The Race of My Life
- Religion: Sikhism
Questions readers ask
Why was Milkha Singh called The Flying Sikh?
He earned the moniker after a successful race against Abdul Khaliq in Pakistan in 1960, following a comment made by General Ayub Khan.
How long did his 400-meter national record stand?
His time of 45.73 seconds remained the Indian national record for nearly 40 years until it was surpassed in 1998.
Achievements
- Competed at 1962 Asian Games, 1958 Asian Games and 1964 Summer Olympics
- Discipline: athletics
